Re: Primary CNS Lymphoma

Posted By CCF Neurology M.D. on February 19, 1998 at 05:21:26:

In Reply to: Primary CNS Lymphoma posted by Lori Lund on February 17, 1998 at 21:22:43:







: I am looking for any info. that I can find about primary CNS lymphoma.  
The only info I can find says that I can find says it is most common
with AIDS and transplant patients.  My 76 year old grandma was diagnosed
in August 1997.  The doctors only said that it is rare and she could have
only 6-12 months left but not more than that.  She did have radiation
treatments but can not have anymore.  I would just like some info please.
It seems to me that noone knows much of anything about this type of
tumor.
Dear Lori,
Primary CNS lymphoma is a disorder that is rare in immunocompetent and in immunocompromised individuals (such as those with AIDS).  Men are usually more affected that women with the peak age in the fifth through seventh decade ( or in 30's-40's in those with AIDS).  The tumor can arise anywhere in the brain. Lesions may be in one location or many. Usually tumor cells from one site spread through the spinal fluid to another location resulting in the multiple lesions.  A patients symptoms depend on the location of the tumor.  Surgery is often ineffective therapy.  Treatment with cranial irradiation and steroids often produces a complete response but, tumor recurs in more that 90% of patients. The average survival in patients treated is 10-18 months.  I hope this helped to answer some of your questions.